Citizen support for the forest

Forestry guide: the pleasure of connecting people and the forest

As the link between forest owners and those who are curious about the forest, forest guides open the doors of the undergrowth to young and old alike for an introduction to the forest. They also take part in various events, fairs and shows to raise awareness and inform the general public.

Observer correspondents: always keen to learn more

In Belgium, as elsewhere, the health of our forests is a major issue in the face of climate change and the many attacks, both biotic and abiotic, to which they are subjected. Correspondent observers are recruited to play an active role in monitoring forest health, in close collaboration with the Observatoire Wallon de la Santé des Forêts (OWSF).

Coaches

Our coaches are experienced forest owners who want to share their know-how with owners and managers who have questions. They uphold the RFSB's values of conviviality and sharing! Trained in active listening, the coaches establish privileged contacts with members new to forest management or more experienced owners facing a specific question. They also take part in planting checks as part of reforestation grants awarded by RFSB and in intergenerational planting projects in klumps (cells of 25 trees planted close together, an ideal tool for getting the children and grandchildren of owners interested in managing family woodlands).

Trees For Future volunteers: the audacity to believe in the future

Initiated on the occasion of the RFSB's 125th anniversary, the Trees for Future research project aims to identify species that are more resilient and better adapted to climate change, species that will come to diversify our forests of tomorrow.

The TFF volunteers are essential links in this long-term project, enabling field monitoring of the experimental systems spread across different forests throughout Belgium. The training provided by RFSB will give you the knowledge you need to carry out measurements and health observations independently in the field.

Being an RFSB volunteer means showing enthusiasm, but also professionalism and skills! Every new volunteer starts with the training offered by RFSB. Apart from being out in the field, each mission is carefully prepared and a report is drawn up afterwards, for RFSB and/or the owner.